Piper PA-32R-300 Cherokee Lance, registered to and operated by Sound Aviation LLC as a visual flight rules on-demand commercial flight under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 135, N40449: Accident occurred February 13, 2019 in Anchorage, Alaska

The National Transportation Safety Board did not travel to the scene of this accident.

Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Anchorage, Alaska

Aviation Accident Preliminary Report - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf

https://registry.faa.gov/N40449

Location: Anchorage, AK
Accident Number: ANC19TA014
Date & Time: 02/13/2019, 1245 AKS
Registration: N40449
Aircraft: Piper PA32R
Injuries: 1 Serious, 2 None
Flight Conducted Under:  Part 135: Air Taxi & Commuter - Non-scheduled 

On February 13, 2019, about 1245 Alaska standard time, a Piper PA-32R-300 airplane, N40449, encountered momentary severe turbulence during a descent about 22 miles northwest of Anchorage, Alaska. The airline transport pilot and one of the passengers were not injured; the second passenger sustained serious injuries. The airplane sustained no damage. The airplane was registered to and operated by Sound Aviation, LLC., as a visual flight rules on-demand commercial flight under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 135. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and company flight following procedures were in effect. The flight departed Lime Village Airport (AK2), Lime Village, Alaska, about 1200, destined for Merrill Field Airport (MRI), Anchorage, Alaska.

According to the pilot, while en route to MRI, severe turbulence was briefly encountered as the airplane descended through 3,500 feet mean sea level (msl) over the mouth of the Susitna River. One of the two passengers, who was seated in the center row right seat, hit her head on the ceiling. The flight landed at MRI without incident and the passenger was treated at a medical facility, where it was determined that she sustained serious injuries.

During an interview with the National Transportation Safety Board investigator-in-charge, the injured passenger stated that her lap belt was fastened, but not tight enough. She was familiar with the use of the lap belt and flew with this company in the accident airplane, once or twice a month.

The closest weather reporting facility was Ted Stevens International Airport (PANC), which was about 22 miles southeast of the turbulent weather area. At 1253, an automated routine weather observation report indicated the following conditions: wind from 030° at 9 knots, sky condition clear, visibility 10 statute miles, temperature 21°F, dew point 9°F, and altimeter 29.84 inches of mercury. 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Piper
Registration: N40449
Model/Series: PA32R 300
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Amateur Built: No
Operator: Sound Aviation
Operating Certificate(s) Held: On-demand Air Taxi (135) 

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: PANC, 132 ft msl
Observation Time: 2153 UTC
Distance from Accident Site: 18 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: -6°C / -13°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 9 knots / , 30°
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility: 10 Miles
Altimeter Setting: 29.84 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed: Company VFR
Departure Point: Lime Village, AK (2AK)
Destination: Anchorage, AK (MRI)

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: None
Passenger Injuries: 1 Serious, 1 None
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Serious, 2 None
Latitude, Longitude:  61.300000, -150.540000 (est)